Politics

[Alistair]

I chose to use it as my internet name because it's relatively unique and few to no other people would be using it.

I couldn't have put it better myself.. either my real name, or 'Spikey'.

For once, I'm more ashamed of my own Government than the American one (it won't last).

I doubt anyone overseas sees our Parliament debates at all.. but yesterday there was a farce of a sitting where our House of Representatives (lower house) was basically Government Ministers slagging our opposition for the simple reason that.. they won and you lost. It was as bad as that.. smug fascists smirking and gloating in the worst, least professional way possible. And taxpayer money pays for this 'debate'. I couldn't take it.

Saw Bush today cracking jokes about Canada/Canadians in response to his 'warm welcome' into the country (eg "Bush is a war criminal"). That was.. embarrassing, to say the least.

- Alistair

[Marten]

Which was more embarassing?

(A) The Canadians apparently thought they could influence US policy more effectively by calling the president names than by engaging him in an intelligent discourse, or
(B) That the president stooped down to their level with his response?

I'm not really sure myself.

[Alistair]

Well, I wouldn't be so scathing about a protest rally myself. "Calling the President names" would be for example "Dubya is a moron", whereas "Bush is a war criminal" is an interpretation of the consequences of an aggressive foreign policy. But that's just my take.

At any rate, I would never be so dismissive about democratic movements of opinion such as rallies, but again, that's my personal view.

I think Bush's comments were far more embarrassing. The Canadians seriously undermine his welcome, and all he can do is make a comment about "how many fingers" they have. Sheesh..

- Alistair

[Ghost_Rider]

My friend was at the protest in Ottawa for Bush's arrival.  He said it was poorly organized, most people were at City Hall instead of the Parliament buildings.  Seems one or more of the organizers were confused on where Bush would be spending his time.  The biggest attraction apparently was some guy talking about legalizing marijuana and promoting his store.  Well, that person sure knew how to get some free advertising on a large scale.

The other protests turned out to be a little more organized, they at least figured out where to find Bush.  As usual, some people got out of hand and started poking at the police with their picket signs and so they ended up kissing the ground; then spent the night in jail.  Smart... really smart.  So what did it all accomplish?  Not too much.

[Trevelyan]

Not to diminish Canada's world status, but when the massive protests in England during Bush's visit didn't do much (the British being the US's closest "allies" and all), I'm not surprised nothing much came of the Canadian protests.

The only protests that would really have a chance of meaning anything would be here in the US, but now that Bush feels he has the popular vote support, neither protests nor resignations will sway him from his self-induced savior complex. If that's anything more than a cover for his Machiavellian tactics to feed his hunger for power and money.

But see, I can make accusatory statements like that now and not worry about being silenced because Bush doesn't care. He's got his 4 more years and his Congress would never impeach him even if there was something to impeach him for. He is, essentially, above the law and above public opinion.

Trev

[Just a note about the impeachment, even if he was impeached he wouldn't be punished (the two are separate, as we saw with Clinton).]

[Dianne Lewandowski]

Not to mention that the U.S. public - in general - is too lazy to do anything.

I read an interesting article in USAToday this past week about the huge debt our country is facing, and how citizens just yawn.  They are lulled and cannot see beyond their immediate needs.  I believe strongly that politicians know this and just do what they will do.

I get newsletters from two Democratic organizations and I sputter when I read them.  Over the past year, I have written short letters (pleas) to get to the issues.  I have asked them why has my party been complicit when Congress changed workers laws.  You can now make someone work 12 hours without a break of any sort.  It's perfectly legal.  While most companies during day shifts will give a lunch break, and possibly other breaks, other shifts do not share this amenity.

Also, we hear about safety nets.  Forget it.  There are no safety nets unless you are destitute and have children.  

I have talked to my State Senator about Age Discrimination and that - although we have a good law in this regard - no lawyer in the State will handle it unless you make over $100,000 a year.  It just isn't worth their effort.  So, it's a hollow law not meant for the common man.  It's "feel good" legislation.  More lulling of the public.  There's no teeth in the law.

Oh, lordy, don't even get me started. (grin)

[Trevelyan]

And yet, politicians know that they can get people all riled up if they mention "traditional values." So sad. We've obviously already covered the "values" thing here so I won't say more.

Well, in this sort of political environment, the only thing a true compassionate can do is get rich and then create several charities dedicated to those [people and issues] the government deems a poor return on their investment. It's that getting rich part that's tough  :wink:

Trev